Degreaser Recommendations

[Mike_Berkshire]

I am in the process of removing the paint and grime from my bottom end cases; the bottom end is still intact and Im planning to mask it up as others have done prior to painting. What degreasers are recommended to clean the stripped aluminium before painting? I don't have access to any industrial products so something freely available would be great. Thanks

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I used Petrol (no diesel to hand) to get the bulk of the heavy dirt off, I then used a small brass brush (type used on blue suede shoes lol). Then some 400 grit for general cleaning of heavily oxidised alloy.

Before painting I washed the prepared alloy with thinners, I believe brake cleaning fluid would work but stuck with thinners. Purchased 4l of thinners on e bay.

[SteveW]

I used brake cleaner from Euro Car Parts, less than 3 quid a 500ml can.

Then various sizes of wire brush in a drill and tiny ones in a Dremel.

[JamesH]

This stuff is incredible: https://bilthamber.com/product/surfex-hd/

[Orcade-Ian]

Definitely with James on this one, I've been using Surfex HD in the parts washer and also in the ultrasonic tank - excellent stuff.  Worth checking out their many other car and bike products but make sure you end up on their site - there are others selling BH products that come up first when googled (cos they're paying!) and are more expensive of course!
I have no connection with the company - other than being very satisfied customer but Pete Hamber and his team are first class.

Ian

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Bilt Hambler make some great products as JamesH confirms.

[Laverda Dave]

Definitely with James on this one, I've been using Surfex HD in the parts washer and also in the ultrasonic tank - excellent stuff.  Worth checking out their many other car and bike products but make sure you end up on their site - there are others selling BH products that come up first when googled (cos they're paying!) and are more expensive of course!
I have no connection with the company - other than being very satisfied customer but Pete Hamber and his team are first class.

Ian

That's a great recommendation for use in the parts washer Ian. I am down to the last refill of safetyclean fluid and I can no longer obtain it since I retired. I tried a water based cleaner and it was 100% useless, it actually turned the parts rusty!
I've used Built Hamber products before (Deox-c being the main one) and they gave always been fantastic and do what they say.

[Mike_Berkshire]

Thanks for the great recommendations everyone. That really helps.

From Teds note I assume the pre-paint surface should be prepared with 400 grit to get good paint adhesion (prior to degreasing)?

[Mike_Berkshire]

I have ordered some of the Surfex-HD. For the casings I assume that after stripping/Dremmeling and removing the swarf, filings and general gunk that I use neat on the aluminium and then wash off with water, allow to dry and then paint; is that the right sequence?

[Orcade-Ian]

Hi Mike,
If you have already got rid of the bad stuff, then you might not need to use it neat.  There are instructions with the product and on-line but you can always call them to discuss - they are very helpful.  I have it about 1:20 in the parts washer - it's even stripped off the insides of the washer tank paint over time.

Ian

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

I have ordered some of the Surfex-HD. For the casings I assume that after stripping/Dremmeling and removing the swarf, filings and general gunk that I use neat on the aluminium and then wash off with water, allow to dry and then paint; is that the right sequence?

Even if you are not in a hard water area I would not want any residue from when the water dries off. I would always use Thinners or Brake Cleaner for the last rinse.

[JamesH]

I'd definitely dilute and then build up the strength of the mix if you feel the need to. It goes a long way. I use at 20:1 initially for general degreasing tasks also.

I have ordered some of the Surfex-HD. For the casings I assume that after stripping/Dremmeling and removing the swarf, filings and general gunk that I use neat on the aluminium and then wash off with water, allow to dry and then paint; is that the right sequence?

[Mike_Berkshire]

Thanks all. I will start @20:1 and just before I start to paint will wipe down with brake cleaner and a new lint-free cloth. I'll probably use a few of the microfibre cloths that come in a multi-pack from Halfords for a couple of quid. Still a lot of Dremelling to go yet.

[Murf]

Well I was only casually reading this but yet again it turns out to be more really helpful info, thanks.
 I think I am going to give the Surfex-H D a go, I am always looking for something that does actually clean things rather than just say it does. I might order some of the car ally wheel cleaner as well and see if that works.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Well I was only casually reading this but yet again it turns out to be more really helpful info, thanks.
 I think I am going to give the Surfex-H D a go, I am always looking for something that does actually clean things rather than just say it does. I might order some of the car ally wheel cleaner as well and see if that works.

If you ever use 'Wonder Wheels' on car alloys it's brilliant - however a word of caution Mercedes will not replace corroded wheels under warrant if you have used such aggresive cleaners. Back in the 1970's MB top of the range alloy wheels were anodised. Theses days they all mostly paint & lacquered with only a few exceptions.